(File Photo/Saskatchewan RCMP)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Crime Task Force

Battlefords Gang Task Force makes a dent in local drug scene

May 14, 2024 | 6:00 AM

The hard work of RCMP investigators in the Battlefords appears to be paying off.

Since 2021, Battleford RCMP’s Gang Task Force (GTF) has recovered 62 firearms, 47 stolen vehicles along with 15 kilograms of cocaine.

“What’s unmeasurable is this hard-working team’s impact on public safety,” said Insp. Jesse Gilbert of the Battlefords RCMP in a statement.

According to the release, the force is six officers strong and has specialized training that allow them to do the longer and harder investigations.

“This includes the ability to obtain and execute search warrants, conduct surveillance and other covert investigational techniques. It’s skills like these that help us reduce harm by removing – and keeping – drugs and weapons off the street,” said Gilbert in the statement.

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One of those longer, more in-depth investigations was Project Falter – a trafficking investigation that began in 2022 and involved a “phone-in delivery” plan from Edmonton. As part of the operation, four handguns, over eight kilograms of cocaine, other drugs were found and led to 12 people being named with more than 60 charges – some of which are still before the courts.

“Our officers are part of this community. They have a vested interest in keeping it safe,” said Guilbert in the release.

“No one in the Battlefords’ area wants gang activity, drug trafficking and violence occurring in our neighbourhoods. The Gang Task Force works alongside our dedicated frontline detachment members to address it – and to dissuade it from occurring in the first place.”

According to the release, GTF investigations have charged 169 people in the two years between 2021-23. It’s estimated that the police uncovered over $2 million in drugs along with over $180,000 in cash.

“I hope this is a clear message: we value community safety in the Battlefords area and our hard-working detachment members and specialized units like the GTF will continue working to ensure it,” he said in part.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com